Sault

A Sunset, a Song, and a Masterpiece: My Journey Into Sault’s Sound.

I was having dinner at beautiful Palm Cove in North Queensland, with the palm trees swaying, the sunset glowing, and a glass of wine in hand. Then, I heard a song that made me pause. I instantly put down my wine, grabbed my phone, Shazamed the track, and up popped ‘Masterpiece’ by Sault. And I thought — what an appropriate name for such a stunning piece of art.

For the rest of the trip, in the downtime between snorkelling, swimming, and strolling along the cove, I found myself on a deep dive through Sault’s discography. My only regret? Not discovering them sooner.

Researching the band only added to their allure.

Sault is a mysterious and genre-defying collective from the UK that emerged in 2019, captivating listeners with their politically charged lyrics, experimental sound, and enigmatic presence. Despite their growing influence, the group remains intentionally anonymous, rarely giving interviews or making public appearances. This air of mystery has only fueled fascination, with fans piecing together clues about the group’s members and collaborators.

The collective is widely believed to be led by producer Inflo (Dean Josiah Cover), who is renowned for his work with artists like Little Simz, Michael Kiwanuka, and Jungle. Other frequent collaborators include singer-songwriter Cleopatra Nikolic (aka Cleo Sol), who shares a son with Inflo, and rapper Kid Sister.

Sault has released 11 albums that seamlessly blend elements of neo-soul, funk, Afrobeat, R&B, and gospel, often layered with intricate percussive rhythms and choral harmonies. Their music is both celebratory and confrontational, frequently addressing themes of Black identity, resistance, and social justice. Albums like Untitled (Black Is) and Untitled (Rise) were released in the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, serving as powerful soundtracks to the movement.

What makes Sault even more compelling is their rejection of the traditional music industry machine. Releasing albums without major-label backing, promotional campaigns, or even much personal visibility, they’ve proven that authentic, impactful music resonates deeply through word-of-mouth praise and critical acclaim.

Since music is one of the most subjective art forms, I encourage you to take your own journey through their discography. While my personal favorite is Untitled (God), every album offers a unique experience and message. There’s something transformative about immersing yourself in their work.

Sault represents the power of artistic independence. By merging activism with art while maintaining an air of mystery, they’ve become a beacon of creative freedom. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, find a quiet moment, and press play — you might just discover your own masterpiece.